How to: Use Standoffs for Display
How to: Use Standoffs for Display
How to: Use Standoffs for Display
Standoffs are really quite simple – a barrel serves as a spacer off your wall or table top, a screw mounts into the barrel, goes through your display and threads into a cap on the other side. You select the length and diameter of your spacer, or “barrel”, and select the corresponding mounting hardware, and you’re on your way to transforming your design. You can raise a transaction top above a reception desk, hang a modesty panel, display artwork or signage, the options are endless. You can even build on a single mount and step out to add additional layers for a completely dynamic display. In this guide we’ll show you the basic components of your standoff assembly, how to install it, and some options for usage.
What is a “standoff” set comprised of?
When buying standoffs, you’ll need a cap, an all-thread screw connector, a barrel (spacer), and mounting hardware which has several options depending on the type of surface you’re installing into.
First you will need to determine what type of mounting screw is required for your surface. There are different types of mounting screws for mounting into studs, drywall, tabletops, and concrete. Next comes the barrel, which is the spacer between your wall and your display. Barrels come in many different sizes for every application. The standoff sandwiches your display between the cap and barrel. The screw connector is the piece that will hold the material in place. And lastly comes the cap, which finishes off your assembly and holds it in place while also giving a nice decorative finish to the outside.
Standoffs come in two different finishes: Satin Aluminum and Satin Stainless Steel. Satin Stainless Steel can be used in sterile environments and health sensitive areas, or to match other stainless steel décor while Aluminum can be used anywhere. Caps and barrels can also come in round or square.
How to install standoffs? (into a stud)
Installing standoffs is very simple. Very few tools are actually required for assembly though you will need a drill for most applications.
Step 1: Drill a small pilot hole into a stud.
Step 2: Insert the mounting screw into the opening.
Step 3: Thread the barrel over the mounting screw (which is half wood screw and half threaded stem) and hand tighten.
Step 4: Insert the screw connector into the barrel hole, and then place your wood/glass/acrylic/misc surface over the connector screw. Note: pre-drill through your material where the mounting posts are stationed
Step 5: Finish off your standoff by fastening the cap over your material
Step 6: Enjoy your new setup.
Decorating with standoffs
If you are looking for a clean and modern design, standoffs are an excellent choice. Standoffs are extremely versatile: install on a wall to hold signage, personnel and office directories, menus, or promotional items. Display art, photos, mirrors, or modern whiteboards. Or add a beautiful raised top layer on a table or create a shelf or transaction top. The only limitation is your creativity. Here are some ideas of ways to use standoffs.
Signage: Signage is one of the most common uses for standoffs. Hospitals and large office complexes especially can benefit from the clean look of directories. Other applications like park maps and attractions can section a lot of information into small compartmentalized chunks to create a more intuitive experience. See example below at Disneyland.
Glass Whiteboard: This wallboard is very fun. It is nothing more than acrylic board with standoffs to hold it in place. For a little twist the designer installed led lights around it to give a glowing effect. This acrylic dry erase board is perfect for meeting rooms and schools.
Staircase: Standoffs can also line staircases to create a glass enclosure. Here they serve as base for the heavy glass that connects to the hand rail and wraps up the stairs. Using transparent materials is key to making any small place look larger and less crowded while also making the whole space more modern and sophisticated.
Details for a bar top: Here the designer used large standoffs to raise a glass top off the bar. This effect adds surface space by extending the top beyond the edge of the table. This design creates a nice clean look with added functionality. End result: a beautiful bar with a futuristic touch.
Product display: We like to use standoffs for our own product displays in our showroom and tradeshow booths. They make our displays easy to assemble and make our panels interchangeable, and because they are so modest, they are hardly a distraction from the parts that are actually on display.
We hope you are excited to learn just how easy they are to use and can start using even more standoffs in your design. Standoffs are fun and make any space look hip and modern. If you do use our MPB’s Standoffs, make sure to send us some photos of your finished application – we’d love to see how you use them on your next project!
For more design ideas follow us on Pinterest!
Related Articles: How to Mix Metals, Smart Home, Modern Kitchen Makeover